Inhaled Steroids and Diabetes Risk

Now I realize that steroids have had their place in medicine. When are people going to wake up to the risks inherent in using steroids. This study should be read by anyone using inhaled steroids, especially those with COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).

People with COPD are taking inhaled corticosteroids. By doing this over a longer period of time, they are putting themselves at a much higher of getting diabetes. Even though the medical authorities say that for asthma the benefits outweigh the risk they are questioning this for those with COPD. I would say they should question it for both and tell Big Pharma to work harder for other medications for COPD, asthma, and diabetes.

If people cannot learn from the Canadian study of about 400,000 patients with either COPD or asthma that for every year of corticosteroid use, the rate of diabetes increased from 14 people per 1000 to 19 per 1000. This 34 percent increase should wake people up as this increase is significant.

If you have COPD or asthma you should consider talking with your doctor if you are on corticosteroids. Consider alternatives that will maintain the control needed and are not steroid based. Read about the study here.

If you already have diabetes, then you will need to weigh the problems of elevated blood glucose levels caused by steroids. People that have had hip, knee, or other replacements know the problems caused by steroids. Make sure that before taking any steroid based medication that you are aware of the risks and benefits and that the benefits outweigh the risks.